US5880675A

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US5880675A
Application number: US08/444,486
Authority: US
Inventors: Stefan Trautner
Original assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
Current assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
Priority date: 1995-05-19
Filing date: 1995-05-19
Publication date: 1999-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 2016-03-09
Also published as: EP0749094A2; EP0749094A3

Abstract

In one embodiment, a kit for reusably attaching an identification transponder 22 to an object 16 to be identified is disclosed. The kit includes an outer sleeve 10, an inner package 12 and, optionally, a release tool 14. The outer sleeve 10 is preferably formed of a non-electrically conducting material and includes an outer locking mechanism 18 disposed therein. The inner package 12 will store the identification transponder 22 and includes an inner locking mechanism 20 for cooperating for with the locking mechanism 18 within the outer sleeve 10. The inner package 12 is operable to be secured within the outer sleeve 10 when the inner locking mechanism 20 and the outer locking mechanism 18 are engaged. If included, the release tool 14 can be used for removing the inner package 12 from the outer sleeve 10 by disengaging the inner locking mechanism 20 from the outer locking mechanism 18.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to the identification systems and specifically to a reusable package for use with an identification device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a great need for devices or apparatuses which make it possible to identify or detect objects in a contactless manner and over a certain distance. In addition, a need exists to be able to change the data stored in, or operating characteristics of, these devices or apparatuses (e.g., "program" the devices or apparatuses).

It is, for example, desirable to contactlessly request, over a certain distance, identifications which are uniquely assigned to an object. These identifications could be stored in the device or apparatus, sometimes referred to as a transponder, so that, for example, the object may be identified. A determination may also be made as to whether or not a particular object exists within a given reading range.

One example of a case in which such a device is needed is the computer controlled industrial production in which, without the intervention of operating personnel, components are taken from a store, transported to a production location and there assembled to give a finished product. In this case a device is required which can be attached to the individual components so that the components can be specifically detected in the spares store and taken therefrom. Also the location and status of the component can be tracked throughout the production cycle.

In many applications, where things have to be identified via an identification, the identification devices or transponders are not used by the end user of the object being identified. The seller, e.g., manufacturer or distributor, gives the goods away after the handling cycle. If the transponder is sold along with the product, the ratio between the price of the part and the transponder must be large enough to make it profitable to pay for one transponder for each part sold. These "parts sold" can be the seller's product itself, a pallet, a box or any kind of work piece holder.

Another solution is to mount the transponder to the object which must be identified. Normally, the transponder will be glued into a hole with some kind of silicon or glue. Once you have glued a transponder into a pallet, or other object, the identification tag is secured against damage due to rough handling of the pallet and also against inadvertent loss. But, to demount the transponder in order to reuse it costs a lot of time, money and the risk to damage the tag.

Accordingly, an improved method of quickly, inexpensively and safely removing an identification tape is presently desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Other objects and advantages will be obvious, and will in part appear hereinafter and will be accomplished by the present invention which provides a reusable package for use with an identification device.

In one embodiment, a kit for reusably attaching an identification transponder to an object to be identified is disclosed. The kit includes an outer sleeve, an inner package and optionally a release tool. The outer sleeve is formed preferably of a nonelectrically conducting material and includes an outer locking mechanism disposed therein. The inner package will store the identification transponder and includes an inner locking mechanism for cooperating for with the locking mechanism within the outer sleeve. The inner package is operable to be secured within the outer sleeve when the inner locking mechanism and the outer locking mechanism are engaged. If included, the release tool can be used for removing the inner package from the outer sleeve by disengaging the inner locking mechanism from the outer locking mechanism.

The present invention provides a number of advantages over prior art systems. First, the reusable package disclosed herein reduces costs for the user because the transponder tags can be reused. In addition, the packaging is inexpensive and, as a result, inexpensive objects can be identified. With other packages, inexpensive objects simply cannot justify the cost of an expensive manufacturing tool. This transponder packaging, on the other hand, will not cost much even at high volumes of pieces per day.

In addition, objects which aren't permanently located at the users location can be identified. The invention is also usable with objects which are in real production and distribution cycles. Further, the packaging is independent of the transponder type (e.g., shape, function, memory size) and all parts can be identified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above features of the present invention will be more clearly understood from consideration of the following descriptions in connection with accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a first embodiment outer sleeve;

FIG. 2 is a first embodiment inner package;

FIG. 3 is a first embodiment release tool;

FIG. 4A-4C illustrates the insertion and removal of the inner package from the outer sleeve.

FIG. 5 illustrates an outer sleeve which is part of the object to be identified; and

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a second embodiment outer sleeve and inner package;

FIG. 7 illustrates a third embodiment package; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth embodiment package.

Corresponding numerals and symbols in the different figures refer to corresponding parts unless otherwise indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The making and use of various embodiments are discussed below in detail. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.

In one aspect, the present invention includes a two piece package which includes an outer sleeve 10 (FIG. 1) and an inner package 12 (FIG. 2). These two piece packages can be used along with a release tool 14 (FIG. 3). A preferred embodiment of each of the components will be described first followed by a description of how the components may be used. Variations and modifications of the present invention will then be described.

In general, there are four major steps to improve the transponder mounting and demounting process. First, anouter sleeve 10 is permanently affixed to the part which has to be identified. Thetransponder 22 is mounted into aninner package 12 which is shaped to conform with the inner surface of theouter sleeve 10. Theinner package 12 with the built intransponder 22 is inserted into thesleeve 10 where it will be mechanically secured. The inner package, along with thetransponder 22, can then be easily removed from the object. These steps will be described in greater detail below.

Referring first to FIG. 1, anouter sleeve 10 is permanently affixed to anobject 16 which will be identified. Theouter sleeve 10 may be affixed within a whole within theobject 16 or otherwise attached thereto. In this context, the term "permanently affixed" means permanent in terms of the time theinner package 12 is mounted to theobject 16. In other words, theouter sleeve 10 will be affixed to object 10 beforeinner package 12 is introduced, during the periodinner package 12 is mounted within theouter sleeve 10 and after theinner package 12 is removed. "Permanently affixed" is not meant to connote forever, only during the relevant times from just before to just after mounting theinner package 12. The outer sleeve can, of course, be fitted for staying in the object forever.

Theouter sleeve 10 includes anouter locking mechanism 18. In the example of FIG. 1, theouter locking mechanism 18 comprises at least one protrusion as shown. Thisprotrusion 18 can be used to secure a cooperatinginner locking mechanism 20 of the inner package 12 (See FIG. 2). The interrelation of the locking

mechanisms

18 and 20 will be more fully discussed below.

Theouter sleeve 10 may be formed of any material which will not shield electro-magnetic communications to and fromtransponder 22 when thetransponder 22 is mounted therein. In general, most non-electrically conductive materials will do. For example, theouter sleeve 10 may be formed of plastic or other materials such as wood or teflon. Theouter sleeve 10 may comprise a cylindrical tube or may be of any other appropriate shape. The only limitation is that the shape of theouter sleeve 10 must correspond with that of theinner package 12 so that the two can be secured to one another.

For mounting theouter sleeve 10, ahole 24 may be drilled into any non metallic portion of theobject 16 which has to be identified. Depending on the outer shape of thesleeve 10, a thread may also be cut into thehole 24. Then thesleeve 10 may be inserted in thehole 24. According to the shape of thehole 24 and the used connecting technology, thesleeve 10 can be glued, pressed, doweled or screwed into theobject 16. The hole should preferably be as deep or deeper than thewhole sleeve 10 so that thesleeve 10 can be inserted completely. Preferably, theouter sleeve 10 should not stick out because other things or a fork of a forklift truck could accidentally clip thesleeve 10 or theinner package 12.

A preferred embodiment of theinner package 12 is shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, anidentification transponder 22 is disposed within theinner package 12. Thetransponder 22 can be any of the many different identification transponders which are commercially available. Onesuch identification transponder 22 is a TIRIS™ (Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification System) brand transponder manufactured by Texas Instruments. An example of a transponder is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,774, issued Oct. 1, 1991, incorporated herein by reference.

As with theouter sleeve 10, theinner package 12 can be formed of any material which will allow communication to and from thetransponder 22. Preferably, theinner package 12 is formed from a non-electrically conductive material such as plastic but other materials such as wood or teflon can also be used.

Theinner package 12 includes aninner locking mechanism 20 which will be cooperative with theouter locking mechanism 18 of theouter sleeve 10. In the illustrated example, theinner locking mechanism 20 comprises at least onenotch 20 formed in the outer surface of theinner package 12. Thisnotch 20 will be engageable with theprotrusion 18 of the outer sleeve.

The outer shape ofinner package 12 has to be compatible with the inner shape of theouter sleeve 10. The method of mounting thetransponder 22 into thepackage 12 will depend on, or at least in part on, the material of theinner package 12. In the case where plastic is used for theinner package 12, thetransponder 22 could be injected directly at the production cycle of thesecond package 12. In another embodiment, thetransponder 22 will be glued into theinner package 12. In any case, the main function of the second package is to carry thetransponder 22 and to protect it against all application specific mechanical stress.

In general, the connection technology between theouter sleeve 10 and theinner package 12 should fulfill as many of the following features as possible. First, it should not be necessary to use any adhesive or tool to put the two parts (outer sleeve 10 and inner package 12) together. Also, the mechanic should lock itself while theinner package 12 is put into thesleeve 10. The locking mechanism should be able to withstand all application specific mechanical loads. For unlocking theinner package 12, only a simple tool (e.g.,release tool 14 of FIG. 3), if anything, should be necessary. This release process should be fast and simple for the daily use. Finally, the mechanic should be usable for the entire lifetime of the identifiedpart 16.

Once theinner package 12 is mounted, no part of thepackaging 10/12 should stick out of theobject 16 surface which has to be identified. In the preferred embodiment, theouter sleeve 10 will be flush with the outer surface ofobject 16. If any part sticks out, theinner package 12 could be destroyed due to strong mechanical impacts. One exception could be, to design the headpiece as flat as possible or necessary and without any sharp edges.

It may be necessary to use arelease tool 14 for releasing theinner package 12 together with the transponder. In the case where the outer shape of theinner package 12 and the inner shape of theouter sleeve 10 have a thread (see FIGS. 6A and 6B), the release tool may comprise any type of screwdriver or screw spanner.

FIG. 3 illustrates a preferredembodiment release tool 14 which can be utilized with theouter sleeve 10 andinner package 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. Therelease tool 14 can be used to removeinner package 12 fromouter sleeve 10 by disengaging theinner locking mechanism 20 from theouter locking mechanism 18. Therelease tool 14 includesprotrusions 24 which may be used to engage with theinner locking mechanism 20 ofinner package 12.

Therelease tool 14 can be formed of most any material including electrically conductive material since it is unlikely thetransponder 22 will be in electro-magnetic communication with another device during the removal process. For example, thetool 14 may be formed of either metal or plastic.

In general, the design of thetool 14 should fulfill the maximum number of the following requirements. First, thetool 14 is preferably reusable. It should also be mechanically compatible with thelocking mechanism 18/20 between theouter sleeve 10 and theinner package 12. Thetool 14 should facilitate easy handling. In addition, to maximize the lifetime of each component, therelease tool 14 should not damage theouter sleeve 10 or especially the reusableinner package 12.

The operation of the specific package kit illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 will now be described with respect to FIGS. 4A-4C. Referring first to FIG. 4A, theinner package 12 is inserted in theouter sleeve 10. In doing so, theprotrusions 18 are compressed so thatinner package 12 can be inserted. When thenotches 20 are adjacent to theprotrusions 18, theprotrusions 18 will decompress so that theinner package 12 is mechanically locked into theouter sleeve 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. It is noted that theinner package 12 is securely fastened to the sleeve and no adhesive has been used. The removal ofinner package 12 withrelease tool 14 is illustrated in FIG. 4C. Therelease tool 14 is inserted betweenouter sleeve 10 andinner package 12 thereby compressingprotrusions 18. The release protrusions 24 will engage innotch 20 and theinner package 12 may be removed from theouter sleeve 10. This removal method is simple, quick and inexpensive and thetransponder 22 with theinner package 12 can be reused. The only component which must be purchased for each object to be identified is theouter sleeve 10, and this component can be inexpensively made from plastic or other materials.

Several variations of the present invention can also be utilized. As illustrated by FIG. 5, theouter sleeve 10 may be part of theobject 16 to be identified. For example, if theobject 16 is a plastic part, thesleeve 10 can be formed by the same process as the remainder of the part. In this situation, there will be no additional cost for thesleeve 10 since it is formed with thedevice 16. In this example, theouter sleeve 10 certainly is permanently affixed to theobject 16 which will be identified.

Anotherembodiment locking mechanism 18/20 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. As alluded to above, the inner surface of theouter sleeve 10 can be threaded. Correspondingly, the outer surface ofinner package 12 will also be threaded. In this case, theinner package 12 can simply be screwed into theouter sleeve 10. The corresponding threads on theouter sleeve 10 andinner package 12 will serve as theouter locking mechanism 18 andinner locking mechanism 20. In this case, a screwdriver can be used as a release tool to remove theinner package 12 from theouter sleeve 10 by disengaging theinner locking mechanism 20 from theouter locking mechanism 18.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B the

threads

18 and 20 on theouter sleeve 10 andinner package 12 extend the entire length of the respective package. It is noted, however, that this feature is not required. Either theinner threads 20, theouter threads 18 or both may extend over only a portion of the

package

12 or 10. The only requirement is that theinner package 12 be secured in theouter sleeve 10.

As another example, the packaging system of the present invention can comprise a "bayonet socket." In this embodiment, the inner sleeve is pushed into the outer sleeve and rotated, for example 90°, such that a hook on the inner package will lock with a ledge on the outer sleeve. This kind of connecting device is similar to connectors which can be used with the objective of a camera, for connecting to garden hoses, or with electrical connectors.

Another mounting technique is illustrated in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, theouter sleeve 10 comprises a base plate which can be mounted to object 16 by glue, screws, nails, rivets or any other appropriate method. Thebase plate 10 includesprotrusions 18, which will lock into thenotches 20 which are formed in the corresponding place ofinner package 12. As with the other embodiments, the inner package can mechanically lock into theouter sleeve 10 without the use of an adhesive. With this method, thetransponder 22 can be fitted to any flat surface or with simple adapters (not shown) can also be fitted to a bent surface. The packaging is independent of the shape of the transponder housing.

As yet another example, the packaging system of the present invention can comprise a secure locking system similar to the ones used to secure a lid to a medicine bottle or cleaner. An example of this embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 8 which shows theouter sleeve 10 and theinner package 12 without anyobject 16. Theinner package 12 comprises a lid which fits over an outer rim ofouter sleeve 10. Theouter sleeve 10 includes notchedprotrusions 18 formed on the outer surface of thesleeve 10 near the rim. Each of the notchedprotrusions 18 corresponds to aprotrusion 20 on the inner surface ofinner package 12. Thetransponder 22 is outwardly attached to theinner package 12 so that it will fit withinouter sleeve 10 when secured. It is noted that no tool is needed to secure or unsecure the package.

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is therefore intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A reusable package for an identification transponder, said package comprising:

an outer sleeve for being permanently affixed to an object which will be identified, said outer sleeve being formed of material which will not impede communications to and from said identification transponder; and

an inner package including said identification transponder disposed therein, said inner package being formed of a material which will not impede communications to and from said identification transponder, said inner package for being inserted within said outer sleeve and for mechanically locking into said outer sleeve without use of an adhesive.

2. The package of claim 1 wherein said inner package includes an outer surface with at least one notch formed therein, said notch for cooperating with protrusions in said outer sleeve.

3. The package of claim 1 wherein said inner package includes an outer surface with a thread formed therein, the thread for cooperating with a corresponding thread within said outer sleeve.

4. The package of claim 1 wherein said outer sleeve comprises a base plate.

5. The package of claim 4 wherein said base plate is affixed to an outer surface of said object which will be identified.

6. The package of claim 5 wherein said outer surface comprises a flat surface.

7. The package of claim 1 wherein said inner package comprises a lid which includes a plurality of lid protrusions formed on an inner surface, and wherein said outer sleeve includes a plurality of notched protrusions disposed on an outer surface, wherein each of said lid protrusions can be secured within a corresponding one of said notched protrusions.

8. The package of claim 1 wherein said outer sleeve is a part of said object which will be identified.

9. The package of claim 1 wherein said outer sleeve comprises a plastic sleeve.

10. The package of claim 1 wherein said outer sleeve is flush with said object which will be identified.

11. The package of claim 1 wherein said inner package is removable from said outer sleeve with the use of a tool.

12. An identification transponder package including an identification transponder within the package, said transponder package for being mechanically locked within a non-conductive sleeve, said transponder package including an outer surface which has notches formed therein for cooperating with protrusions in said sleeve, said transponder package capable of being mechanically locked into said sleeve without use of an adhesive and being removable from said sleeve with the use of a tool, said transponder package formed of a material which will not impede electromagnetic communications to and from said transponder.

13. An identification transponder package including an identification transponder with the package, the transponder package for being mechanically locked within a non-conductive sleeve, said transponder package including an outer surface which has a thread formed therein for cooperating with a corresponding thread within said sleeve, said transponder package capable of being screwed into said sleeve without use of an adhesive and being removable from said sleeve, said transponder package formed of a material which will not impede electromagnetic communications to and from said transponder.

14. A kit for reusably attaching an identification transponder to an object to be identified, said kit comprising:

an outer sleeve formed of a non-electrically conducting material, said outer sleeve including an outer locking mechanism disposed therein;

an inner package for storing said identification transponder, said inner package including an inner locking mechanism for cooperating with said locking mechanism within said outer sleeve, said inner package operable to be secured within said outer sleeve when said inner locking mechanism and said outer locking mechanism are engaged; and

a release tool for use in combination with said outer sleeve and inner package, said release tool for removing said inner package from said outer sleeve by disengaging said inner locking mechanism from said outer locking mechanism.

15. The kit of claim 14 wherein said outer locking mechanism includes at least one protrusion and said inner locking mechanism comprises at least one notch disposed in an outer surface of said inner package, wherein said inner and outer locking mechanisms are engaged when said protrusion is engaged within said notch.

16. The kit of claim 14 where said outer locking mechanism comprises a threaded inner surface of said outer sleeve and said inner locking mechanism comprises a threaded outer surface of said inner package, wherein said inner and outer locking mechanisms are engaged when said inner package is screwed into said outer sleeve.

17. The kit of claim 14 wherein said outer sleeve comprises a base plate, said inner package for being removably attached to said base plate.

18. The kit of claim 14 wherein said outer sleeve is formed from plastic.